Liquid phase and aqueous solutions of poly(vinyl methyl ether) from highly purified vinyl methyl ether monomer

摘要

A process is disclosed for the preparation of liquid and aqueous solutions of amorphous colorless poly (vinyl methyl ether) polymer with low level of impurities from purified vinyl methyl ether. The polymer has relatively high molecular weight, narrow molecular weight distribution and does not degrade readily due to the presence of impurities. The purification of the monomer uses a procedure selected from the group consisting of a vapor-liquid separation, a solid-liquid separation and combinations thereof to remove the impurities at a temperature within the range of from -20 DEG C. to +30 DEG C. The aqueous solution is prepared by devolitilization of solvent solutions of the polymerized purified vinyl methyl ether monomer. The solid polymer is prepared by heating the aqueous solution of the poly(vinyl methyl ether). The amorphous polymers of poly(vinyl methyl ether) are particularly suited for adhesive applications.